MOPH carries out strict bird flu prevention measures

MOPH carries out strict bird flu prevention measures

BANGKOK, 19th December 2016 (NNT) – The Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) has called for the strict implementation of bird flu prevention measures, while imposing no travel ban to countries with ongoing infection, says an official. 

The MOPH Permanent-Secretary Sopon Mekthon made his remark in the wake of a bird flu epidemic alert in South Koream being raised to the maximum level on 16th December 2016 after the discovery of the H5N6 virus infection, saying that Thailand hasn't seen a case of H5N1 bird flu virus infection in humans since July 2016. However, preventative measures remain intact with the cooperation of the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, the Ministry of Public Health, and the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment, all watching for any signs of the disease among humans, farm animals, or wild poultry. 

He said the MOPH had called for four measures to be implemented during winter when the chances of infection become more likely, namely a hightened alert for infection among humans and animals, the immediate reporting of irregular deaths among birds, the promotion of bird flu prevention practices among people travelling to affected areas, and the promotion of patient screening practices among public health officials and healthcare workers. 

The MOPH permanent-secretary has advised the general public to practice good hygiene to prevent infections from bird flu, including thorough hand washing with clean water and soap before and after cooking and toilet use, and the wearing of a sanitary mask when a person is sick. 

Thailand is currently imposing no travel ban to countries with an ongoing bird flu epidemic, but travellers are advised not to come into close proximity to poultry and to wash their hands frequently. Persons with a recent history of direct contact with poultry who exhibit fever, a cough, a sore throat, and shortness of breath should immediately seek medical attention and wear a sanitary mask. The general public can call the Disease Control Department 24-hour hotline 1422 for more information.

 

-- nnt 2016-12-19